Motorcycle Repair: 1986 sportster, engine fires, bendix

Question
Hey, every time I try to start my sportster it will crank once,maybe twice and then it souns like the starter just goes loose and I have to wait for it to wind down and try again. It seems like it just won't stay engaged to turn my bike over and if I keep trying repeatedly my battery wire start to smoke. any Ideas would be awesome Thanks

Answer
Tobin, It kind of sounds like the bendix is defective and kicks out before the engine can fully start. Some types have a spring and enertia activated and some are energized with a solenoid that pushes it out and enertia while it spins holds it there untill engine fires and runs faster that the bendix gear allowing it to spin back away from the ring gear. It may be weak and spins back just as the engine starts to fire but does'nt completely start. Its time for a rebuild or a new starter and bendix assembly.